First Module in "Altar Above the Worlds!'

A Mini-Course on the Eucharist according to C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, & the Church Fathers

Welcome Barrel Aged Christians!

The first module in our course, “Altar Above the Worlds,” has been released! Please join me as we dive into the beautiful doctrine of the Eucharist through the imaginative worlds of C.S. Lewis, J.R.R. Tolkien, the church fathers, and salvation history as presented in Holy Scripture. Here is a quick description of the course modules with access the first module access right below:

Module 1: The Eucharist as Mystical Meal (Table). We analyze the Eucharist as superfood & a sacrament that brings grace and healing on our Christian journeys. We compare the Eucharist to Manna in the Wilderness and the Tree of Life in the Garden of Eden. We discuss topics such as Deification or Theosis (partaking of God’s nature) as well as the Real Presence of Christ in the elements. We analyze sections of the Voyage of the Dawn Treader, the Magician’s Nephew, Lord of the Rings, and the Great Divorce as well as direct quotes from Lewis, Tolkien, and the Church Fathers particularly St. Ephrem of Syria, St. John Chrysostom, St. Gregory of Nyssa, and St. John Damascene. (Key Texts: John 6, Genesis 1 & 2)

Module 2: The Eucharist as Sacrifice (Altar). We analyze the Eucharist as a sacrificial meal offering as well as a partaking in the once & for all sacrifice of Christ. We compare the Eucharist to a covenant meal and passover meal. We analyze Lewis’ understanding of Sacrifice as well as his understanding of the priesthood. (Isaiah 6, 1 Corinthians 10 & 11)

Module 3: The Eucharist as Theophany (Throne). We analyze the Eucharist as a glorious appearance (theophany) of the King of Glory among us and a royal arrival (parousia or advent) This theophany brings about an ordering of worship (liturgy), the home, and society. (Book of Revelation, Luke 24:13-35)

Bonus Module 4: The Eucharist According to the Ancient, Apostolic Churches. We analyze the Latin, Greek, Syriac traditions as represented by Roman Catholics, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox, and the Assyrian Church of the East. We will discuss themes like transmutation in St. Justin the Martyr and transubstantiation in St. Thomas Aquinas.

Bonus Module 5: The Eucharist According to the Protestant Reformation. We analyze the Anglican, Lutheran, Reformed/Calvinist, Zwingli, & AnaBaptist theological traditions as well as present day evangelicalism and Pentecostalism in regards to the Eucharist. We also discuss Lewis’ views as an Anglican compared to Tolkien’s Catholicism.

(First Module access is below for paid subscribers!)